International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy最新文献

{"title":"The Effect of Duration of Supervised Rehabilitation on Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.","authors":"William H Suits, Nia I Ahart, Zoey A Humes","doi":"10.26603/001c.162269","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rehabilitation practices and recovery timelines are variable following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Elucidating associations between longitudinal temporal characteristics of rehabilitation and relevant functional outcomes following ACLR may help with improving outcomes and reducing re-injury risk.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of the duration of supervised rehabilitation on strength, functional performance, and self-reported outcomes following ACLR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Pedro databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms included terms pertaining to diagnosis (e.g., 'anterior cruciate ligament', 'ACL reconstruction'), rehabilitation (e.g., 'rehabilitation', 'physiotherapy', 'physical therapy'), and outcomes (e.g., 'functional status', 'return to sport', 'return to play'). Inclusion criteria were studies that 1) included patients who had undergone primary ACLR, 2) reported outcome measures of strength, physical performance testing (such as hop testing), and/or patient reported functional status, and 3) measurements of the duration of supervised rehabilitation following ACLR. Exclusion criteria included a lack of direct statistical comparison of the effect of rehabilitation duration on outcome measures, studies that were not available in full-text in the English language, or studies that were later retracted. The Downs and Black checklist was implemented to assess the quality of the studies included, and risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 5598 studies initially retrieved, 44 underwent full-text screening and nine studies (one randomized controlled trial, one retrospective cohort, and seven cross-sectional studies) met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. These studies showed trends for higher knee strength, improved performance testing, and greater self-reported outcomes with a longer duration of rehabilitation. There was considerable variety in the duration assessed and time points for when the outcomes were measured.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Limited quality evidence exists to support supervised rehabilitation of at least six months in duration following ACLR for knee strength, performance testing, and patient-reported functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"493-505"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232228/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Lateral Proximal Hamstring (Biceps Femoris).","authors":"Robert C Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight","doi":"10.26603/001c.162271","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hamstring muscle injuries are among the most common lower-extremity injuries in active individuals. Hamstring injuries follow a consistent pattern with a consistent medical history, which includes a sudden, explosive type of movement (sprinting, kicking, jumping, or lunging). The onset of pain is usually acute in the posterior thigh. They may describe a \"pop,\" \"snap,\" or sensation as if someone kicked them in the back of the thigh. An accurate diagnosis of lateral hamstring overuse, partial tears, or ruptures is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimizing patient outcomes. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSKUS has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating hamstring injuries, including tendinopathy, muscle strains (partial tears), and ruptures. MSKUS is excellent at detecting changes in tendon and muscle composition and continuity. This manuscript will review the utility of MSKUS in evaluating lateral hamstring tendon and muscle injuries, including anatomy, common injury mechanisms, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for those in the rehabilitation profession. By integrating MSKUS into clinical practice, providers can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes for those with hamstring injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"592-599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Normative H-Test Values in a Cohort of 113 Healthy Soccer and Track-and-Field Athletes at High Risk for Hamstring Injury.","authors":"Sebastien Latella, Julen Ferreira, Lois Broquet, Brice Picot","doi":"10.26603/001c.162344","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hamstring strain injury (HSI) and re-injury are major issues in track and field (T&F) and soccer (SOC). Askling's return-to-sport H-test is reproductible and valid and can be used to objectively measure dynamic flexibility and kinematic outcomes. However, no normative values exist to support its interpretability across disciplines.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To establish normative values for the main H-test kinematic outcomes in healthy competitive track and field and soccer athletes, and to examine the effects of sport discipline and limb dominance on H-test performance.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross sectional, descriptive cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Competitive T&F and SOC athletes with no recent history of HSI (within the previous six months) performed H-test on both the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) limbs. The H-test consists of hip flexion at maximal velocity and amplitude, performed in a supine position. Mean range of motion (ROM), maximal angular velocity (Vmax) and angle at peak velocity expressed in degrees (APV°) and percentage of ROM (APV%) were recorded using frame-by-frame two-dimensional video-based angular analysis. Raw values and symmetry between limbs were reported and compared between disciplines using ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One-hundred-and-thirteen athletes (94 males and 19 females, 20.1years, 176.6cm, 68.6kg, 46 T&F, 67 SOC) were included. H-test values were highly consistent, with 105.1°±10.8 (LSI=101.5%), 342.8°.s^-1±49.5 (LSI=102.7%), 60.6°±7.9 (LSI=100.6%) and 57.6%±3.6 for ROM, Vmax, APV° and APV%, respectively. No differences between limb and discipline existed for ROM and Vmax. A small difference (η_p²=0.03) in APV% was observed between T&F and SOC athletes but it was not considered clinically meaningful.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first study to assess H-test kinematic outcome on a large sample of uninjured HSI at-risk athletes. Clinicians can use these values when interpreting results after hamstring injuries or during pre-season screening, particularly in male athletes. However, caution is warranted, as further studies are needed to confirm the link between H-test performance and injury risk, along with more research involving female populations.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>2C.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"570-580"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Neuromuscular and Co-activation Patterns After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction In Males: A Case-control Exploratory Feasibility Study.","authors":"Roberto Ricupito, Marco Bravi, Fabio Santacaterina, Alessandro Carrozzo, Rosalba Castellucci, Giandomenico Campardo, Marco Ceserani, Federica Bressi, Rocco Papalia, Sebastiano Vasta, Florian Forelli","doi":"10.26603/001c.162263","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162263","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a major barrier to muscle recovery, but early (within the first ~2 weeks after surgery) neuromuscular profiles remain poorly quantified. Excessive hamstring co-activation, a common compensatory response to quadriceps inhibition, may further compromise knee mechanics and rehabilitation outcomes. Hypothesis/Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to compare early quadriceps activation and quadriceps/hamstring co-activation patterns between individuals following ACLR and matched healthy controls (CTRL). The secondary objective was to determine whether these neuromuscular alterations were present bilaterally, affecting both the operated and non-operated limbs. It was hypothesized that individuals post-ACLR would demonstrate reduced voluntary quadriceps activation and increased hamstring co-activation compared to CTRL, as well as bilateral neuromuscular alterations within the ACLR group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Study design: &lt;/strong&gt;Cross-sectional case-control study.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Thirty males (15 primary unilateral ACLR with hamstring autograft, 15 healthy controls) were assessed 15.3 ± 0.7 days after ACLR (pre-injury Tegner Activity Scale: 7 ± 1). Inclusion criteria required a Stroke Test score &lt; 1+ and no passive extension deficit, defined by SANTI (Scientific Anterior Cruciate Ligament Network International) classification of AMI type 1-2. Participants performed three 5-second maximal voluntary isometric knee extensions (MVIC) in supine position with the knee fully extended; no sEMG normalization was performed, and raw RMS values were used for analysis. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), and medial hamstrings (MH) at 1000 Hz; mean Root Mean Square (RMS) values were then computed over a 3-s stable plateau window of each MVIC and used for analysis. Co-activation Indices (CoI) were calculated for the agonist-antagonist pairs VL-BF, VM-BF, VL-MH, and VM-MH. ACLR group versus CTRL was via independent-samples t-tests, and intra-individual ACLR group comparisons (operated vs. non operated limb) via paired-samples t-tests. Effect sizes (Hedges' g for between-group, Cohen's d for paired comparisons; rank-biserial correlation for non-parametric tests) were reported with 95% confidence intervals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Significantly lower mean values were found in the operated limb of the ACLR group compared to CTRL for VL (4.15 ± 2.24 vs 7.89 ± 1.50 μV, p &lt; 0.001), VM (4.07 ± 2.25 vs 9.07 ± 1.24 μV, p &lt; 0.001), and BF (3.73 ± 2.64 vs 5.79 ± 3.56 μV, p = 0.011). In the operated limb, all CoI were significantly higher (all p &lt; 0.001) in the ACLR group than in CTRL for VL-BF (47.77 ± 9.92% vs 32.07 ± 9.32%), VM-BF (48.83 ± 8.98% vs 29.10 ± 5.45%), VL-MH (49.83 ± 11.58% vs 31.08 ± 6.78%), and VM-MH (48.17 ± 9.38% vs 29.11 ± 5.69%)","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"513-523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and Compositional Features of Lumbar Multifidus in Athletes with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Wai Keung Wong, Allan C L Fu, Sharon M H Tsang","doi":"10.26603/001c.162340","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is highly prevalent in athletes, causing significant time loss up to one year. In the general population, CNSLBP is associated with morphological and compositional changes in lumbar multifidi, a key spinal stabilizer group, including reduced cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT) and increased echo intensity (EI). Whether these differences exist in athletic population is unclear.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the morphology and composition of the lumbar multifidi at two levels in athletes with and without CNSLBP.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Systematic review with meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to May 2025 using a brief string of search terms (e.g., \"athletes\" OR \"sports\" AND \"low back pain\" AND \"multifidus\" OR \"paraspinal muscles\", see Supplementary Table 1 for the full search strategy) for studies comparing lumbar multifidus features in athletes with and without CNSLBP. Studies were included if they: (i) compared athletes with CNSLBP (pain >3 months) to asymptomatic athletes; (ii) measured CSA, MT, or EI of the lumbar multifidus; and (iii) were observational or interventional studies. Exclusion criteria were non‑athletic populations, specific spinal pathologies (e.g., radiculopathy, infection, tumor), and non‑original articles (reviews, case reports, editorials). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 850 records, 18 studies (n=1142 subjects) were included. NOS and GRADE assessments revealed poor methodological quality of the included studies on lumbar multifidus assessments. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between athletes with and without CNSLBP in CSA at L4/L5 (MD = -0.21; p = 0.34) or L5/S1 (MD = -0.25; p = 0.19), MT at L5/S1 at rest (MD = -0.05; p = 0.62) or contracted (MD = -0.05; p = 0.47), or EI at L5/S1 (MD = 2.24; p = 0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review found no significant differences in morphology and composition of lumbar multifidus between athletic groups. Findings were constrained by heterogeneous methodologies, imprecise reporting, and suboptimal study quality. Despite these limitations, ultrasound technology remains a promising tool for soft tissue assessment in athletes.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>2 (Systematic review of observational studies).</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"473-492"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232158/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthropometric and Neuromuscular Characteristics of Breakers Across Different Performance Levels: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Field-Based Study.","authors":"Nils Freitag, Sophie Manuela Lindner, Antonia Neher, Tony Keller, Kirsten Legerlotz, Nikolai Boehlke","doi":"10.26603/001c.162261","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162261","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The inclusion of breaking in the 2024 Olympic Games has accelerated the professionalization of the dancesport, leading to increased support from elite sport systems. However, evidence on performance-relevant physiological characteristics remains limited, hindering the development of performance testing and support interventions.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This exploratory study examined anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics across three performance levels in German breakers to assess the feasibility of a field-based testing battery and explore whether commonly used athletic field tests show differences across performance levels.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Exploratory cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventy-four athletes (21 females, 53 males) completed anthropometric (height, seated height, body mass, limb lengths, age, experience) and neuromuscular tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ30], isometric mid-thigh pull [IMTP], grip strength, pull-ups, seated medicine ball push, core strength, T-Agility, Y-Balance Tests [YBT-LE, YBT-UE], Knee-to-Wall, Jefferson Curl). Athletes were classified as elite according to criteria of the national governing body. Analyses focused on group differences to assess the test battery's discriminative potential.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Elite (n=13; age: 25.9±5.1 yrs; experience: 13.2±5.0 yrs), developmental (n=39; age: 19.6±5.8 yrs; experience: 8.5±4.8 yrs), and recreational (n=22; age: 21.2±6.2 yrs; experience: 8.4±4.4 yrs) athletes were compared. No significant differences were found in body mass or limb lengths, though seated height was lower in elite than recreational athletes (p=0.014). Elites showed superior mobility in Jefferson Curl (p<0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion (left: p=0.004; right: p=0.003). Among neuromuscular tests, only DJ30 ground contact time differed, with elites showing shorter times than developmental (p=0.002) and recreational (p=0.019) athletes. No significant differences were observed for CMJ, IMTP, grip strength, medicine ball push, pull-ups, T-Agility, core strength, or YBT composition scores. Sex differences favored males in strength and power, while females showed greater mobility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this exploratory sample, elite breakers tended to differ from developmental and recreational athletes mainly in seated height, reactive jump performance, and mobility. Conventional athletic tests showed limited discriminatory value, suggesting that breaking-specific tests integrating physical and artistic dimensions are required to capture performance determinants in this dancesport.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>2b.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"555-569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Individual Functional Movement Screen™ Tasks and Sports Injury Occurrence in University Basketball Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Takanori Kikumoto, Marina Kobayashi, Satoshi Hori, Tomoya Takabayashi, Masayoshi Kubo","doi":"10.26603/001c.162342","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is widely used to evaluate movement quality and attempt to identify athletes at risk of injury. However, the predictive value of the total score is inconsistent, and it remains unclear whether specific components are more strongly associated with injury. # Purpose To prospectively investigate the relationship between individual FMS™ task scores and sports injury incidence among university basketball players over the course of one year, to evaluate the applicability of the conventional total score threshold of ≤14, and to compare the screening utility of individual and total FMS™ tasks. # Study Design Prospective cohort study. # Methods Eighty-five collegiate basketball players (men and women) were assessed on all seven FMS™ tasks during pre-season. Sports injuries were tracked for 12 months and defined as musculoskeletal conditions restricting participation for more than seven days. Logistic regression models tested associations between injury risk and both total FMS™ score (cut-off ≤14) and scores on individual tasks. A weighted model combining all tasks was also examined. # Results The total FMS™ score (≤14) was not significantly associated with injury (AUC = 0.52). In contrast, low scores (≤2) on the Deep Squat (DS) were significantly associated with increased injury risk (OR = 3.47). Low scores on the Hurdle Step (HS) were also associated with elevated risk (OR = 2.26), although this did not reach statistical significance in the logistic regression model. A weighted model incorporating all items improved predictive discrimination (AUC = 0.75), although contributions varied across tasks. # Conclusion Individual task scores, particularly the DS and HS, were more predictive of injury than the total FMS™ score. Item-specific weighting may enhance the clinical utility of pre-season screening, but larger studies are needed for validation. # Level of Evidence 2b.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"524-530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Which Myofascial Alterations Contribute to Functional Limitations and Perceived Performance Deficits in Water Polo Athletes.","authors":"Pedro Martínez-Lozano, Alfonso Trinidad, Guillermo García-Pérez-de-Sevilla, María García-Arrabé, Federico Salniccia, José Ángel Del-Blanco-Muñiz","doi":"10.26603/001c.162346","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Shoulder injuries are highly prevalent in overhead sports such as water polo due to repetitive high-intensity throwing demands. While structural pathologies have been widely studied, there is a lack of evidence regarding the role of myofascial dysfunction in this athletic population.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>This study aims to analyze the relationship between myofascial dysfunction in the shoulder musculature and self-perceived functional capacity in competitive water polo players.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Observational cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male water polo players from youth and senior categories of two clubs in Madrid (Spain) were recruited for participation in this study. A clinical evaluation of myofascial dysfunction was performed through manual assessment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) using a composite score (0-6) based on the presence of six diagnostic criteria and completion of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score questionnaire were performed. Spearman correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were performed to examine the association between MTrPs and shoulder function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 33 water polo players aged 18.30 ± 2.82 years were included. Significant moderate negative correlations were found between myofascial trigger point scores and the KJOC score for the infraspinatus (r = -0.413, p = 0.017), subscapularis (r = -0.377, p = 0.030), and anterior (r = -0.580, p < 0.001), middle (r = -0.480, p = 0.005), and posterior deltoid (r = -0.534, p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that myofascial dysfunction significantly negatively impacts shoulder function and performance in water polo athletes.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"545-554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rehabilitation Utilizing Blood Flow Restriction Following Surgical Repair of a Bankart Lesion with a Buford Complex in an Elite High School Football Player: A Case Report.","authors":"Kirsten Parrish, Jace Brown","doi":"10.26603/001c.162100","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.162100","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Arthroscopic Bankart repair is commonly performed following anterior shoulder instability; however, the presence of a Buford complex introduces unique anatomical and rehabilitative considerations. Evidence guiding postoperative rehabilitation for collision sport athletes with this combined pathology is limited. Additionally, although blood flow restriction (BFR) training has demonstrated benefits for mitigating muscle atrophy during periods of restricted loading, its application in postoperative shoulder rehabilitation remains underexplored. The purpose of this case report is to describe the integration of early-phase BFR within a structured, criterion-based rehabilitation program following arthroscopic Bankart repair in the presence of a Buford complex in a high school collision-sport athlete, and to highlight considerations for return-to-sport testing in this athlete.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case description: &lt;/strong&gt;A 17-year-old male high school football linebacker with recurrent anterior shoulder instability underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with concomitant management of a Buford complex. Physical therapy began 12 days postoperatively and followed a standardized protocol adapted to sport-specific demands. Due to early postoperative restrictions, BFR was incorporated during protective and intermediate phases to support neuromuscular activation and strength development while respecting tissue-healing constraints. Rehabilitation progressed through phased mobility, strengthening, closed-chain loading, and sport-specific activities using objective criteria to guide advancement. Outcome measures included passive and active range of motion (PROM, AROM), shoulder strength via handheld dynamometry, grip strength, girth measurements, patient-reported outcomes (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index [WOSI], Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport After Injury [SIRSI]), and functional performance tests (Posterior Shoulder Endurance Test [PSET], Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter [YBT-UQ], Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test [CKCUEST]).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Outcomes: &lt;/strong&gt;The athlete completed 18 sessions over 17 weeks. By postoperative Week 17, the athlete demonstrated full, pain-free passive and active shoulder range of motion. Shoulder flexion strength improved from 21.8 lbs at Week 6 to 30.5 lbs at Week 15, and grip strength improved from 92 lbs to 114 lbs. PSET improved from 54.5 seconds to 135.2 seconds, and CKCUEST performance increased from 15 to 24 touches. WOSI scores improved from 38.6% to 25.7%, and SIRSI scores increased from 74.2% to 80.1%. The athlete returned to full football participation 19 weeks after surgery without reported symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This case report illustrates the feasibility of incorporating early-phase BFR within a criterion-based rehabilitation program following Bankart repair in a collision sport athlete with a Buford complex. Further investigation is warr","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 6","pages":"581-591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13232190/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The International Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards 2025: The SportsComp Project on Higher Education to Improve Competency in Sports Physiotherapy.","authors":"Maria Constantinou, Carlo Ramponi, Bruno Tassignon, Emilie Dick, Elke Lathouwers, Mati Arend, Laura Lepasalu, Armi Hirvonen, Sanna Sihvonen, Sanna Paasu-Hynynen, Eleni Kapreli, Aristi Tsokani, Nikolaos Strimpakos, Luciana De Michelis Mendonça, Jo Verschueren","doi":"10.26603/001c.159762","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.159762","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sports Physiotherapy is a specialised area of practice requiring specific competencies and standards to be met. The initial Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards at the international level were first developed in 2005. With the sports physiotherapy landscape evolving, ensuring the currency and an update of the 2005 competencies was important. Through the SportsComp project (Higher Education to Improve Competency in Sports Physiotherapy) funded by an Erasmus+ grant, a consortium of five partners, including the International Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Assocation, updated these competencies and standards. Using a three-phase process that incorporated perspectives from experienced sports physiotherapists including a Delphi study, a qualitative study of focus groups and interviews of stakeholders, and a consensus meeting of expert sports physiotherapy researchers and educators, the International Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards (2025) (\"the Competencies\") were finalized. The final competencies are at a Master's level, and are contemporary and relevant to the current context of the practice of sports physiotherapy. The knowledge and behaviors to be demonstrated and standards to be achieved are able to be implemented in sports physiotherapy career pathways internationally. An overview of the key changes in the Competencies is presented and the full list of the Competencies are included as Supplementary Material. # Level of Evidence 5.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 5","pages":"575-581"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}